Countdown
Letting the jacket slide off his back, Hakim grasped it by the collar. He carefully folded and draped it over the foot of the bed. There will be no work tomorrow.
Another year has come and gone. Hakim did not observe any significant change when looking at himself in the mirror. The ageing body in plain sight, without the armour of the crisp uniform holding its shape, was here to stay. He chuckled, causing his belly to tremble. Patting himself, he cast a glance at the raised figure in the bed. The wife told him she'd be sleeping early tonight. They are not ones to join in the festivities.
Slowly, Hakim lowered himself on his side of the bed so as not to disturb her. He can hear the muffled music of partying through the walls, maybe a few doors down? Or from the floor above? It's unbelievable how people here can be so carefree, flaunting their defiance in the face of advice from the officials. If this was back home...
No. Home is here now. Freedom of expression, freedom of actions, freedom of thoughts. They just need to keep their heads down, straddling the cracks between the social majority and their own life. Mindful not to do anything to jeopardize the citizenship application in a few years. Then, only then, can they breathe a sigh of relief.
The wife stirred. Under the dim light, he observed a slight furrow of the brows. Bad dreams? In this small apartment that she meticulously furnished with second-hand items from various garage sales, she's had to adjust to being a housewife. They were both medical professionals back home, top of the field, and her parents were just around the corners to watch over the kids.
In this new land of opportunity, they have to prove their credentials and skills to the licensing body while simultaneously learning the new language. They've agreed that he'd work and study first while she takes care of the children and household. When he failed the licensing exam the first time, she was nothing but supportive. Then the pandemic hit, the date of his second attempt was indefinitely postponed, and with that, the goalpost for their dreams. Sometimes he wondered if, behind her smile, she didn't wish she was back home, working at the frontline and contributing to the cause. Her ambitious drive was one of the many captivating qualities that drew him to her.
Hakim adjusted his pillow. The wife rolled over and wrapped her arm across his chest. After fourteen years of practice, their bodies recognize each other. A reflex that bypasses the brain. Tonight, the arm weighs slightly heavier somehow.
How to break the news to her? Today they had a small workplace end-of-year get-together. His supervisor informed him that he'd been promoted to head of security. It was not bad news. He got a small raise, which would go a long way with the rising cost of living. They have to be cautious with their savings. He expressed his gratitude with his eyes as much as possible, humbly receiving muffled congratulations from behind the masks of the other co-workers.
Yet...that's not his destination. He could feel an undercurrent forming, with every other challenge they've faced since immigrating here, was threatening to yank the paddles out of his hands. And there were days when he felt like just letting go and seeing where it takes them.
And there is Mina and Kaina... Before the pandemic turned the schools into hot zones, they were just starting to make new friends. Will the sporadic in-person learning makes it difficult for them to form new bonds? They'd never come to him if they had trouble assimilating to the new environment. The daughters always talk to the wife. Well, at least the sisters have each other.
It's not all bad, come to think of it. Perhaps the girls will retain their cultural values for just a little bit longer. He's seen it all at the mall, before the restrictions. Teens roaming in packs, spending their parents' hard-earned cash, obnoxiously carving out their territory with backpacks and loud chattering. You gotta watch them like a hawk. The first day on the job, his supervisor warned him.
A roar of laughter. It's not yet midnight, though Hakim thought he heard fireworks being let off. Probably by accident. Back home, they've moved forward in time. Before going to work this morning, he phoned his parents to wish them a happy new year. They sounded worried. Are you sure you want to stay there? They missed him, missed their granddaughters. Was it the right decision to give up everything they've built and start from scratch?
If only I had passed the exam the first time! This thought surfaced again to haunt him, reminding him how he's put the whole family in limbo.
Suddenly, the world erupted around him.
TEN!
Is the number of hours per day he works as a security guard.
NINE!
Is Mina’s age.
EIGHT!
Is the number of dates he went on with his wife before he knew they would spend the rest of their lives together.
SEVEN!
Is how many years of education and training it took to become a doctor back home.
SIX!
Is the number of his colleagues back home who's succumbed to this infectious disease. Is there any new update?
FIVE!
Was how many years it took for their visas to be granted.
FOUR!
Was how many months it took for them quickly pack up and condense their old lives into boxes. Shipping by sea was slower, but it was cheaper.
THREE!
Is how many years they will remain permanent residents before they can officially apply for citizenships.
TWO!
Two years was the deadline he set for himself. To obtain the qualification to practice as a physician again in this new world. To provide a better living for his family. To know that their sacrifice was not in vain.
ONE!
.
.
.
Happy New Year. He murmured.
As she stood there in the alley, her heart raced with a mixture of fear and anticipation. Turning her head towards the bum, she noticed that he had produced another coin in his palm, its silver surface seemingly imbued with secrets and possibilities. He nodded and tossed it towards her. She caught it this time, and with one swift motion, she hurled it towards the brick wall.
The air seemed to ripple as the coin connected with the wall, and the world around her wavered for a split second. But when her surroundings stabilized, she returned to her luxurious penthouse apartment. The scent of opulence filled the air, and the glittering cityscape lay before her.